About Us
Connect. Accept. Reframe. Empower.
At CARE Psychology, we believe that relationships, understanding, and a strengths-based, client-directed approach build strong foundations for the work we do. Our goal is to develop positive relationships with the children, youth, and adults we work with by meeting them "where they’re at" and tailoring our approach to fit their needs. It is important to us that they see themselves as the heroes of their own stories so they can take ownership over their healing and wellness.
Our Mission
We seek to Connect with children, youth, adults, and families. For us, it’s essential to care about who they are. Together, we can work to help them better understand and Accept themselves as people. We Reframe understanding to gain a more positive outlook and way of being in the world. By developing the adaptive coping skills and strategies they need to overcome challenges, we can then Empower them to grow, flourish, and shine.
Meet Dr. Crystal Dittrick
Founder, Registered Psychologist, & Clinical Supervisor
Hi, I’m Crystal (she/her/hers)! I am the founder of CARE Psychology.
I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Canadian Certified Counsellor with over 20 years of education and experience in working with children, youth, adults, and families.
From a young age I have always loved helping people and watching them grow. I knew I wanted to be a psychologist after my very first psychology course in high school. My education journey in psychology includes a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge.
I am the clinical supervisor of CARE Psychology. I am a Play Therapist Supervisor (Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and Certified Play Therapist Supervisor) and an EMDR Consultant-in-Training. I consider myself to be a life-long learner and continue to update my practice based on the latest evidence of what works for the people I serve.
I have experience providing counselling and psychological services in a variety of settings including schools, mental health services, community clinics, and private practice. I have presented for various schools, organizations, and parent nights, national and international conferences, and written peer reviewed articles on the topics of child and adolescent mental health, bullying, peer relationships, social emotional learning, and mindfulness. I also enjoy teaching and mentoring upcoming psychologists through supervising in our clinical practice.
I am a mom of two incredible boys and grew up in a family with three sisters. I spend much of my free time with my family. A creative person at heart, I enjoy crafting, hosting family events, baking, watching movies, and playing with my kids.
My Approach
I provide psychological services to children, adolescents, adults, and their families, including both treatment and assessment. I believe in a strengths-based, creative approach with a focus on understanding and building relationships.
I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches in my work including Client Directed, Outcome Informed Therapy, Play Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems, and Mindfulness practice.
I believe in developing positive relationships with the individuals I work with and tailoring my approach to meet their needs. There is no one way to do therapy so it is important to me that I develop a treatment plan that works for you and your family.
I look forward to helping your family flourish,
Crystal
Meet Kristina Jelinkova
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hi! I’m Kristina (she/her). I’ve been with CARE Psychology since 2024, and my goal is to meet you where you’re at so I can help you feel empowered moving forward.
I offer counseling and assessment services for children, teens, and adults, to better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and find ways to live their best life.
Counselling can help with concerns such as anxiety, depression, anger, and challenging life events. In counselling, I integrate components of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Mindfulness practice to best support each person and their unique strengths and needs.
Assessments can explore areas including, but not limited to, ADHD, learning disorders, and mood disorders. An assessment can help you better understand how you think, learn, and feel, and what strategies may work best for you. Assessments may look into areas of cognition, academics, behaviour, social-emotional functioning, and neurodevelopmental conditions.
I am currently completing my Doctoral degree at the University of Calgary where I earned my M.Sc. in School and Applied Child Psychology. Through the University of Calgary, I have received training and extensive experience in psycho-educational assessments. In addition, I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years, where I’ve gained valuable experience in intervention.
I believe that compassion, collaboration, and a strengths-based approach to wellness best support one’s wellness goals.
In my spare time, I enjoy being with my loved ones, exploring new games and books, and attempting to take my cat on walks.
Meet Dr. Marisa Van Bavel
Registered Psychologist
Hi! I’m Marisa (she/her). I’ve been with CARE Psychology since 2023, and I’m passionate about delivering personalized and strengths-based psychological care to all my clients.
I work with children, youth, and adults to help them understand how they learn and think. Through thorough assessments, I explore emotions and behaviours, and address questions as they pertain to diagnoses like ADHD, autism, learning disorders, and/or anxiety and mood disorders. Based on those assessments, I provide aligned support, strategies, and resources to meet the unique strengths and needs of each client.
Through counseling, I take an integrative approach using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, solution-focused therapy, and a strengths-based person-centred approach.
I hold a Doctorate in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary, where I also earned my Master of Science in the same field. I bring over a decade of education and experience working with youth across diverse settings, including community-based mental health programs, education, and private practice. I have engaged in formal psychological assessments in both public and private sectors, including specialized roles supporting youth with neurodevelopmental differences. My expertise also extends to cultural competence in psychological assessments, honed through experience collaborating with Tsuut'ina Nation education.
I have presented to parents and professionals at various local and national conferences, and have written peer reviewed articles on healthy relationships, youth well-being, and culturally competent care in schools.
I believe that compassion, collaboration, and respect for diversity go a long way in your wellness journey.
As a book lover and green thumb, my downtime is often spent relaxing in nature. I love hiking, running, and connecting with friends and family.
MEET Dr. Cristina Fernandez Conde (she/her)
Registered Psychologist
Hi! I’m Cristina (she/her). I joined CARE in February 2025 and have a passion for working with children and youth. I love helping them understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence their well-being. My goal is to support individuals thrive by overcoming challenges using a strengths-based approach.
As a counsellor, my practice is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and I integrate other approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, therapeutic play, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills to foster resilience. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment that honours diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
When conducting assessments, I work with families to better understand their child or adolescent’s reasoning abilities, learning skills, and overall development. I also explore social, emotional, and behavioural concerns to identify neurodiversity, including autism, intellectual disabilities and ADHD, learning, mood, and behavioural disorders. My approach to psychological assessments focuses on identifying strengths and providing personalized recommendations to support each child’s unique needs.
I hold a Doctorate in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary and have over ten years of experience supporting children and youth in schools, hospitals, and community clinics in Canada and Mexico.
My core values—honesty, trustworthiness, respect, and collaboration—guide my practice.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching movies, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
"After the rain, the sun will reappear. There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here."
Walt Disney
Our Space
At CARE Psychology, we offer child, adolescent, adult, and family psychology services in an accessible, welcoming, and caring space. Our office features both a warm and comfy seated area for counselling, therapy, and assessment, as well as a play therapy area with a wide array of toys and art materials.
